Ben Affleck will star in David Fincher's adaptation of the bestselling novel Gone Girl

Just the other day I was wondering when we would get news on David Fincher's next project. Would it be 20,000 LEAGUES UNDER THE SEA or something else? Turns out it will be an adaptation of Gillian Flynn's bestselling novel GONE GIRL which Fincher has been developing at Fox for months. But, not only is the movie officially moving forward as Fincher's next film but he has a leading man as well.

In advance of his next directing gig, the adaptation of the novel LIVE BY NIGHT, Ben Affleck will step in front of the camera for Fincher's GONE GIRL. Warner Bros. is allowing Affleck to slightly delay LIVE BY NIGHT to accomodate GONE GIRL, which will be produced by Reese Witherspoon. Witherspoon is not going to star in the film at this point, but the story hinges on the lead female role. Here is the synopsis:

On the day of their fifth wedding anniversary, Nick's wife Amy disappears. There are signs of struggle in the house and Nick quickly becomes the prime suspect. It doesn't help that Nick hasn't been completely honest with the police and, as Amy's case drags out for weeks, more and more vilifying evidence appears against him. Nick, however, maintains his innocence. Told from alternating points of view between Nick and Amy, Gillian Flynn creates an untrustworthy world that changes chapter-to-chapter. Calling Gone Girl a psychological thriller is an understatement. As revelation after revelation unfolds, it becomes clear that the truth does not exist in the middle of Nick and Amy's points of view; in fact, the truth is far more dark, more twisted, and more creepy than you can imagine.

GONE GIRL will begin shooting in the Fall and Affleck plans to have LIVE BY NIGHT finished by the end of 2014. Deadline is even hearing that WB is so keen to maintain a long and fruitful relationship with Affleck that they had no problem letting him work with Fincher at Fox on a project they have zero stake in. Somewhat shocking to hear that coming from a Hollywood studio, but nice to know creativity trumps money some of the time.

While this doesn't bury a sequel to THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO, it certainly doesn't make the odds likely that it will be directed by David Fincher. GONE GIRL is a brilliant novel and if Fincher sets the tone along the lines of THE GAME, we will be in for a big treat.